A while ago, a loyal customer asked me how I used to find comparable listings back in the day — when I was sourcing pieces that movie stars were wearing. That question made me smile because it reminded me how powerful a little curiosity can be in reselling.
Spotting Famous Style (and Objects)
If you ever notice a celebrity or someone well-known wearing or using something that matches your inventory — whether it’s the same brand, style, or even just the vibe — take note.
That kind of connection can boost resale value, sometimes by 200 percent or more. And it’s not just about clothing — it can be a watch, a handkerchief, a pair of vintage eyeglasses, a jacket, or even a collectible that catches a buyer’s eye.
When you link your item to a moment from pop culture — a movie, a show, or even a viral photo — buyers are instantly more interested. These connections create emotional value, and that’s what drives higher sales.
My Curiosity Became My Best Research Tool
I’ve been doing this kind of research since long before social media made it easy. Even 15 years ago, I would dig through movies and shows, paying attention to what people were wearing or using.
Coming from Argentina, where there are so many knockoffs, I was always curious to see what the real thing looked like and how to spot it. That love for details — the stitching, the logo size, the quality of the materials — became one of my favorite parts of the business.
My Most Memorable Finds
I’ll never forget finding a 1950s nurse’s wool cape like the one Sarah Jessica Parker wore on Sex and the City — navy blue with a red lining and embroidered hospital initials. We sold ours for $300, and I had paid only $3–$4 each.
Then came the Pharrell Williams jacket, another example of how the right comparable can completely change the value of an item.
If you’d like to see a few examples of this type of sourcing in action, here are two listings from my own collection at The Clothing Vault:
- Vintage 80s Adidas Trefoil Sweatshirt (Men’s L, Deadstock Flock Print, Rocky)
- Vintage 60s Swedish Army Motorcycle Jacket (Men’s C50, Military Tanker)
Each of these has a story — and their connection to film, fashion, or culture is what makes them special.
Research Is Easier Than Ever
Today, doing this kind of research is easier than ever. You can use Google Lens directly inside List Perfectly to find comps for clothing, accessories, or even objects. It’s one of my favorite modern tools for sourcing and pricing smarter.
With just one image, you can identify visually similar items and check what they’re selling for across marketplaces — something that took hours of digging years ago.
Bonus Tip: Research Can Be a Write-Off
If you’re using DirectTV, Netflix, Prime Video, or YouTube Premium to research comps — studying items, styles, or objects — those subscriptions might qualify as business write-offs.
That’s what worked great for me in my own business, but always double-check with your CPA before claiming any deductions.
The Takeaway
Sometimes, the best research starts with a little curiosity — and a movie night. Paying attention to small details, recognizing cultural moments, and connecting them to your listings can transform ordinary items into high-value treasures.
Because when you look closely enough, research really does pay — literally.
